The Orphan with No Name: A completely heartbreaking and emotional World War 2 historical novel by Shirley Dickson

Author:Shirley Dickson [Dickson, Shirley]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Bookouture
Published: 2024-09-19T00:00:00+00:00

26

JANUARY 1944

As Miriam stood, with trembly legs, in the laird’s book-filled study that smelled of pipe tobacco, she was so nervous that the carefully rehearsed speech she’d prepared flew out of her head like a migrating bird. But she was determined to speak out and inform Sir Henley about the abominable goings on at the orphanage under the rule of Miss Black.

The laird, formally a robust man with an imposing bolt upright stance, now looked gaunt and haggard. Though his bearing was still commanding, he appeared to have shrunk. His three-piece black suit looked to be cut for a bigger man, and his hair, once dark, was streaked with silver strands. His dull eyes, previously bright and lively with interest, showed the depth of the pain he suffered at losing his only son and Miriam found it unbearable to see. That’s what grief did to you, she thought.

As if aware of Miriam’s fear that her legs wouldn’t support her, Sir Henley gestured to a high-backed chair in front of a meagre fire.

‘Now, Miss Balfour, what brings you here?’ he asked, sitting in a matching chair opposite.

Miriam took a deep steadying breath. ‘I’ve come to discuss the running of the orphanage by the mistress, Sir Henley.’

He cocked an eyebrow. ‘I presume you mean Miss Black.’

‘Yes, sir.’ Miriam gathered her thoughts and began by pointing out Miss Black’s commendable attributes and her dedication to the orphans’ Christian upbringing.

‘Miss Balfour.’ The laird’s voice held a ring of impatience. ‘I take it you didn’t come here to point out Miss Black’s admirable qualities, of which I am aware and are why she was employed.’

‘No, sir.’ Miriam felt herself go red.

‘Then do get on with it.’

So, Miriam did. She told him how the orphans were unfairly treated, how their lives were governed by strict rules and severe punishments if they didn’t comply.

The laird’s brow puckered and his eyes darkened. ‘What form do these punishments take?’

‘Amongst other things the orphans have been known to have their mouths washed with soap and get the cane.’

The silence in the room that followed was an uneasy one. Sir Henley, trout-mouthed, stared intently at the space before him, deep in thought. Was it possible Miriam had misjudged the laird and he was one of the ilk that thought children should be subjected to a lashing to be taught a lesson?

‘Miss Balfour.’ His hardened eyes focused on hers. ‘In my youth I attended boarding school and suffered the fate of many lashings. Some would say they didn’t do me any harm but I would disagree. I still bear the painful memories of those days when no one stood up for me.’ He stood and, shoulders back, he appeared to have grown an inch or two. ‘I would suggest you return to your duties and leave the matter for me to think over. You’ll be informed of the outcome.’

Miriam felt an icy finger slide down her spine. What did he mean, informed of the outcome? She would rather know now if her fate was to be dismissed.

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